"Barcelona are nothing without Lionel Messi" - Arsene Wenger

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes Barcelona would be an average side without their superstar Lionel Messi.

The Argentine striker, who is only three goals shy of breaking the all-time record for goals scored in a calendar year, has been in prolific form for Barcelona this season and has pushed them clear at the top of La Liga.

But Wenger says that without him they would just be a 'normal' club.

Speaking to French TV station Bein Sport, Wenger said: 'He has won absolutely everything he can at club level, and beaten all the numbers. Could he be the same player somewhere else?

'I believe that Barca suits him well, they have lots of possession, so they can keep the ball while he finds a good position to be a threat. So not exactly the same player.

'But, I reverse it, would Barca be the same without Messi? Certainly not, they quickly would become much more normal.'